Hundreds of people lined Bullock Creek on Saturday (November 15) for the Rotary Club of Wānaka Duck Race, with ideal conditions helping push more than 1,500 brightly coloured ducks downstream for charity.

Rotary president Marie Fitchett said the club was “thrilled to see the community turn out in such great spirits” after earlier postponements due to weather.

“It’s one of those events that brings everyone together; families, businesses, kids, and you can really feel the joy along Bullock Creek,” she said.

In the Fastest Corporate Duck race, The Bentley Company (No. 48) took top honours, followed by BestStart Pinnacles (No. 67) in second, and Ali Barbers (No. 18) in third.

Wānaka Homestead won the Best Dressed Corporate Competition, ahead of Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, and Garden Goat Landscaping.

The Best Dressed Corporate Duck competition was won by Wānaka Homestead. 

The Public Individual Race saw Rachael Paton (2474) take first place, with Ferg Collie (2166) second and Joel Luxford (1564) third.

More than $13,000 was raised, with all corporate entry funds going to the Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust.

“The generosity from local businesses and families is what makes this day possible,” Marie said.

“Every dollar goes straight back into helping local kids and supporting groups that need a hand.”

She also thanked the event’s sponsors: New World Three Parks, Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, Wānaka Storage Solutions, Print It, Wānaka App, Upper Clutha Messenger, Queenstown Lakes District Council, and Bunker Street Film Co.

PHOTOS: Rotary Club of Wānaka